Dame Vera Lynn

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Dame Vera Lynn has said she is "delighted to have entered the top 20 at the age of 97, as she extended her lead as the oldest living artist to figure so high up in the album chart.

The Forces' Sweetheart released Vera Lynn: National Treasure - The Ultimate Collection this week to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Friday.

The album, featuring more than 40 wartime songs including We'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs Of Dover, reached number 13 in the chart, beating the likes of Pharrell, the Arctic Monkeys and rapper 50 Cent whose new album missed out on the top 20.

Dame Vera said: "I am delighted of course. It is wonderful to hear these songs again that were at the top of the charts so long ago, and it's warming to think that everyone else is listening to them too."

Dame Vera Lynn is on course to make the top 20 at the age of 97 - extending her lead as the oldest living artist to figure so high up in the album chart.

The Forces' Sweetheart released Vera Lynn: National Treasure - The Ultimate Collection this week and if early strong sales continue throughout the week she could even make the top 10.

Her last major chart feat was five years ago when she achieved a number one with an earlier best-of release.

Dame Vera's latest album comes as preparations are taking place to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Friday.

She will also have a role in a major commemorative concert at the Royal Albert Hall on the evening of the anniversary when Katherine Jenkins duets with a recording of her singing the popular wartime hit We'll Meet Again.